Colorful Ideas to Mend Your Winter Blues

Here are some tips on what to get to make your wardrobe feel alive again.  Don’t let the dark days dampen your colorful and lively personality. You don’t have to add color in a dramatic way.  Instead, incorporate color with a sprinkle here and there.  If you're currently struting around head-to-toe in neutrals, then add some color by going with hues that are soft such as dusty rose and whisper blue. Then slowly add in jeweled-toned or other brightly-colored pieces that are attention-grabbing.

Below are examples of eye-catching ways to add color to your wardrobe. What colors will you add to your winter wardrobe?

PRINT DRESS THAT EXCITE

IKAT $148

This printed dress is more versatile than you think! Wear it barelegged in the evening, with tights and a pair of booties/flat over-the-knee boots for a casual look, with a faux-fur vest for a trendy look, or with a pair of camel-colored wedges for next season!

CARDI IN YOUR FAVORITE COLOR

GESTUZ $89

Okay, so the best part about this cardi is it’s 100% cotton.  I know many of you struggle with finding sweaters that contain no wool, alpaca, etc. The next best feature about this cardi is that it instantly boosts color into your outfit.  Wear it with a casual white or black tee or a neutral-printed top.

TRANSITIONAL SWEATER

MICHAEL KORS $89.50

You gotta love this lightweight casual piece.  It adds instant luxury to any outfit as simple as a tee and jeans.

ONE OF A KIND

MAWI $450

This popped out at me on the page and I just had to share it with you all.  The blue gem, the-silver-and-gold combo, and the weight makes this a stunning piece.  I promise, if you wear this with your everyday jeans, you will feel much more put-together.  Find a favorite piece that will add excitement to your neutrals.

BEYOND THIS WORLD

MANIAMANIA $196

What do you think? I have no words to describe this.....I am left speechless

Find pieces that make you feel alive!  Then find all the possible ways you can wear it with what you already own.  Please don’t leave your feel-good pieces in the back of your closet waiting for “that special moment”.

"There is so much nonsense about fashion.  People buy clothes because they want to feel and look good, not for any deep psychological needs." -Karl Lagerfeld

Say buh-bye to hat hair!

This winter calls for looking good and staying warm. You might think that hats were made to hide bad hair, but this winter use it to your advantage. Giovanna, owner of Duque Salon & Spa in Ballard, gave me a few pointers.  From now on, wear those hats with pride and don't feel like you have to keep it on the rest of the day.  Once you take it off you may uncover locks of sexiness!

[caption id="attachment_274" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Christian Dior - Fall 2010"][/caption]Words directly from the expert:
"1. This season's hair is easy and utterly UN-done, so hat hair can actually be used as a "styling" tool. You must start with the right products though.

2. Just braid hair loosely and tuck away..afterward when removing the hat just let the braid down and gently run your fingers through your tresses. You'll end up with loose, relaxed beach waves...perfectly on trend.

3. To create volume move your hair in the opposite direction that you normally wear it...when you take the hat your hair will fall into place with extra lift at the roots...

4. Another great trick is to sprinkle a little water on your fingertips, then flip your head over and give yourself a good rub at the roots...and flip back..wa-la instant sexy bed-head..."

Try the tips out and let us know what you think!

FUR HATS- For the glamorous individuals

Netherfield Hat $84

Fur coats, scarves, shoes, vests and YES fur hats!  It's almost like you can't overdo it with the faux fur.  Wear this out and about on a date night through downtown or an evening gathering.

KNIT BEANIES- The hat that literally goes with everything

Fossil Melanie Hat $32

If you aren't into wearing hats, this is a good start.  Easy to wear and itch-free, made of acrylic.

SCHOOL BOY INSPIRED/MILITARY CAP- Call it what you may, but this is for a woman on the go

Wool Contrast Military Cap $20

This is such a great look with boots and casual tee or glam it up with booties and cropped pants.  Makes me feel like a woman on a mission!

Do you wear hats to keep you warm or for fashion purposes? What's your favorite hat and why?

"That's the thing about hats. They're extravagant and full of humour and allow for a sense of costume, but in a lighthearted way." - Stephen Jones

 

 

The perfect way to add style to any outfit this winter

There is nothing more classic and chic than gloves.  Although you probably use them for their main purpose, to keep warm during the cold seasons, they can also make such a statement.  If you find yourself at a local boutique and find a leather glove as soft as silk, the purchase will definitely be one you will be able to justify.  Below you will find the lovely women that made the glove a desirable piece to use over and over again.

THE PAST

[caption id="attachment_223" align="aligncenter" width="168" caption="Audrey Hepburn"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_225" align="aligncenter" width="286" caption="Balenciaga Photo Shoot 1954"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_226" align="aligncenter" width="291" caption="1955- Model in collarless suit with straight skirt and Persian lamb scarf, both by Balenciaga"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_222" align="aligncenter" width="211" caption="Margaret Lee"][/caption]

Interpreting fashion is my forte. From past to present, from runway to reality, from high-end to low-end, I do whatever it takes to make it useful for your lifestyle. Below are runway images from winter 2010. Wear a pair of long or short silk/leather gloves with a dress for evening, long scrunchy leather gloves for day time, knit or alpaca gloves for casual, and fingerless gloves for fun.

THE PRESENT

[caption id="attachment_229" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="DESIGNER: Rochas THE LOOK: Timeless"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_230" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="DESIGNER: Roksanda Ilinicic THE LOOK: Powerful"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_231" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="DESIGNER: TSE THE LOOK: Trendy"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_232" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="DESIGNER: United Bamboo THE LOOK: Edgy"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_234" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="DESIGNER: Vera Wang THE LOOK: Formal"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_235" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="DESIGNER: Micheal Kors THE LOOK: Casual"][/caption]

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." -Coco Chanel